Marshall County Community Corrections advances facility move, adds monitoring technology

Marshall County Community Corrections is taking significant steps forward with facility improvements and enhanced monitoring capabilities, with County Commissioners approving key budget items at this week's meeting.

Beau Holcomb, Director of Marshall County Community Corrections, appeared before the County Commissioners seeking approval for an increased month-to-month rental cost at the Community Resource Center on Adams Street in Plymouth.

The rental rate has increased from the contracted rate of $3,000 per month to $3,800 per month on a month-to-month basis following the expiration of the previous lease. The increase comes as the county transitions between facilities after purchasing the Bowen property at the southwest corner of West Jefferson and North Plum Street for $50,000.

"We purchased the property with the intention of modifying the building for Community Corrections," Holcomb explained. The commissioners approved the new rental rate, which will remain in effect for only a few months while renovations are completed.

Holcomb reported that the Community Corrections Board of Directors has selected K. Graber Construction from Amboy in Miami County to handle renovations of the new facility. After reviewing estimates from several contractors, the board chose K. Graber for the project.

The renovation plans include adding three office spaces, bringing the total to seven offices—one for each employee. The project will also involve relocating a classroom and creating a secure lobby and classroom area.

"The building will look nice and professional, but it won't be elaborate because we went conservative on our spending," Holcomb said, emphasizing fiscal responsibility in the project planning.

K. Graber Construction requires a 10% non-refundable down payment, which the commissioners approved as a prepayment. Holcomb anticipates that renovations will be completed within a few months, allowing Community Corrections to move into the new facility.

In addition to facility updates, the commissioners approved an amendment to the current contract with SCRAM Systems to add alcohol monitoring capabilities to the GPS bracelet systems already in use.

The expansion will provide on-body alcohol monitoring systems that can be utilized not only by Community Corrections but also by the Marshall County Probation Department and Drug Court. Two types of devices will be available:

Similar to a smartwatch, this device provides 24-hour, minute-by-minute updates of a client's alcohol use, offering real-time monitoring capabilities.

This device is carried by the client and prompts them to provide breath samples at designated times. The breathalyzer features facial recognition technology to ensure the registered client is the one providing the sample, preventing fraud.

"This is a tool that I think we can use and utilize to make sure people adhere to the rules of Community Corrections," Holcomb told commissioners. "Probation could use it, and also Drug Court."

Holcomb noted that the county's judges requested the additional tools as a resource for Community Corrections, underscoring judicial support for enhanced monitoring capabilities.

Importantly, no taxpayer dollars will be used to purchase the new monitoring technology. Clients of Community Corrections pay for the use of the devices, with rates set by the Community Corrections Board of Directors. This self-funding model ensures that enhanced monitoring capabilities come at no cost to Marshall County taxpayers.

The commissioners approved the amendment to the contract with SCRAM Systems.